Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Education Committee

HB 1314

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to adopt Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) that identify the knowledge and skills that all public students need to be global citizens in a global society with an appreciation for the contributions of diverse cultures.
Requires the OSPI to develop a model ethnic studies curriculum for use in grades 7 through 12.
Establishes an advisory committee with specified members to make recommendations to the OSPI on the EALRs and model ethnic studies curriculum.

Background:

A basic education is an evolving program of instruction that is intended to provide students with the opportunity to become responsible and respectful global citizens, to contribute to their economic well-being and that of their families and communities, to explore and understand different perspectives, and to enjoy productive and satisfying lives.

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is responsible for developing and revising the essential academic learning requirements (EALRs) that identify the knowledge and skills all public school students need to know and be able to do to meet the intention of the basic education program.

The OSPI is also responsible for adopting student learning standards aligned to the EALRs as grade level content expectations (GLEs) and, in consultation with the State Board of Education, developing, maintaining, and revising a statewide academic assessment system that is designed to determine if students have mastered the EALRs.

School districts must teach content aligned to the student learning standards when the content area is required or offered, but districts do not ratify or formally adopt the standards, as curriculum choices are, with limited exceptions, determined by school districts.

Summary of Bill:

By September 1, 2020, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) must:

adopt essential academic learning requirements (EALRs) and grade level expectations (GLEs) that identify the knowledge and skills that all public school students need to be global citizens in a global society with an appreciation for the contributions of diverse cultures; and
develop a model ethnic studies curriculum for use in grades 7 through 12 that is designed to prepare students to be global citizens in a global society with an appreciation for the contributions of diverse cultures.

The model curriculum must be based on the EALRs, including those adopted as described above, and must be posted on the OSPI's website. The model curriculum, the EALRs, and the GLEs must be periodically updated to incorporate best practices in ethnic studies.

Public schools with students in grades 7 through 12 are encouraged to offer an ethnic studies course that incorporates the model curriculum.

The OSPI must establish an ethnic studies advisory committee to:

recommend EALRs and GLEs that identify the knowledge and skills that all public school students need to be global citizens in a global society with an appreciation for the contributions of diverse cultures; and
advise, assist, and make recommendations to the OSPI regarding the development of the model ethnic studies curriculum.

The advisory committee must be composed of a majority of educators with experience in teaching ethnic studies from public high schools and institutions of higher education, including educators representing the Washington state commissions on African-American affairs, Asian Pacific American affairs, Hispanic affairs, and the Governor's Office of Indian affairs.